HARARE – Highlanders’ finally tested premiership defeat in the hands of city neighbours Chicken Inn in a thrilling Castle lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 7 derby played at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, a day fellow giants Dynamos continued with their resurgent form with a triumph.
Chicken Inn got their opener through Brian Muza after just seven minutes of the clash with Michael Charamba doubling the Gamecocks’s advantage 16 minutes later.
Highlanders got their face saver through reliable goal scorer Lynoth Chikuhwa after 35 minutes of the derby.
In a match played at Rufaro stadium, under fire coach Genesis Mangombe could have bought himself more time in the Dynamos dugout after seeing his charges edge visiting TelOne 1-0.
Emmanuel Paga struck from outside the box after 76 minutes to give the hosts an advantage they would take to the end the clash.
The Ghanaian professional who was introduced as a second half substitute, only needed seven minutes on the pitch to settle the encounter.
It was Dynamos’ second win of the season.
In other matches, on-and-off giants Caps United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manica Diamonds at Sakubva.
At the Colliery, defending champions Ngezi Platinum continued to struggle after playing out a goalless draw away to Hwange.
At Luveve, Bulawayo Chiefs were 1-0 victors over Simba Bhora.
Following Week 7 of the 2024 premiership race, Highlanders had the dignity of remaining on top of the league standings despite a defeat with 14 points to their tally.
Simba Bhora, another weekend set of losers, are second on 13 points having played the same number of games while FC Platinum lie third on 12 points but with a game in hand.
FC Platinum are tied on 12 points with Chicken Inn.
Dynamos lie number seven on 9 points while Caps United are number 14 on 7 points but with a game in hand.
Champions Ngezi Platinum are positioned 15 on 7 points.
